SUPPORTING THE CRAFT AND CAREER OF WRITERS THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS SINCE 2000
Ellen Waterston is the founder and president of the Writing Ranch which, since 2000, has been dedicated to supporting the craft and careers of established and emerging writers through multi-day generative workshops and retreats. Guest faculty include published authors skilled at teaching the craft of writing and guest presenters whose expertise heightens participants’ experience of the unique landscapes and cultures where Writing Ranch workshops are held.
Learning to critique others’ writing and applying those lessons to one’s own is an important component regardless of session format: longer retreats or workshop intensives. Nothing compares to gathering and bonding with a group of writers, the heady experience of feeling you are with your people, your tribe, and together are supporting one another’s writing process and goals.
2026 lost in place dates coming soon!
“My workshop with Ellen Waterston was one of the richest writing experiences I have encountered. She has a gift for creating a fertile creative atmosphere—one in which she (and the workshop participants) genuinely delight in one another’s work, are expanded with innovative language exercises, and opened to entirely new possibilities. I was able to take and use so much from the experience. If you are looking for a compassionate and competent guide,
look no further! ”
“From the morning classes to the evening presentations, learning transpires and inspires and helps accomplish individual goals. Time and guidance for writing is a priority. The chemistry that develops among the writers reminds me of those rare and favorite classes and teachers. The whole fun week was a leap forward designed by Ellen with her talent as both a writer and teacher.”
“You are rare: someone who combines abundant expertise and talent, confident leadership, almost no ego, and personal vulnerability. Not to mention a good sense of humor! I still wonder about being a “writer.” But it didn’t seem to matter. I felt part of the magic that was going on. I learned a lot, was touched and entertained by the varied and quite wonderful writing of others in the group, and I felt connected to others
in interesting and delightful ways.”
“I was moved beyond words by the incisiveness and clarity of her thoughts. Waterston is a genius-level instructor, able to uncover the latent talents of any group through a series of seemingly simple exercises in composition.”